Break-in theory after man murdered in home

A car salesman may have been murdered in his home by thieves during a break-in, it emerged today.

Pat Keenan, 60, was found dead at his house in Newry, Co Down. It is believed there were serious head wounds on his blood-splattered body.

As forensic experts examined the property on Carrive Drive for clues, it emerged that the victim had been burgled twice before.

One informed source disclosed: “People think this was another robbery and this time the intruders attacked him.”

Mr Keenan, who was separated from his wife, had lived in the house for a number of years.

He sold second hand cars from the address, and detectives were trying to establish whether a red Mercedes he drove was missing.

The SDLP Assemblyman for Newry, Dominic Bradley, said the whole community was shocked by the killing.

After visiting the victim’s relatives, he said: “Any death is a blow to a family, but a death under these circumstances is a terrible blow.

“Those who committed this horrific crime must be brought to justice as speedily as possible.”

As murder squad officers launched an inquiry, police revealed Mr Keenan was discovered in the house at 8.30pm on Saturday.

Investigating officers appealed for anyone who spotted anything suspicious in the area to contact them.

Newry’s former mayor, Jack Patterson, told how he his fears for the safety of old people in the city had been growing.

He said: “It has been a concern of me personally and members of our council over the last year or two that a lot of elderly people and vulnerable people being attacked.

“It’s very concerning to all of us. It’s unbelievable to hear something like that has happened.”